Uncaser device



SeptQZS, 1952 s. CIRAOLO 2,611,494

UNCASER DEVICE Filed Dec. 12, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. SAMUEL OIEAOLO BY% I A TTOR/VEY Sept. 23, 1952 s. CIRAOLO 2,611,494

UNCASER DEVICE Filed Dec. 12, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOR.

SAMUEL cmAoLo ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 23, 1952 YYUN-iT-ED] STATES PATENT OFFICE Application December 12, 1949, Serial No. 132,535

9 Claims.

This invention relates to an uncaser device, or a device for the removal of cans from a case and for separating the uncased cans.

The. primary object of this invention is to provides. device which quickly and efficiently removes cans from an opened case and separates the cans automatically sothat the-cans are lined up for a conveyor or other device for handling the cans, for instance for the purpose of labeling or repackaging the cans;

It is a. practice in canneries at the present time to prepare a quantity ofcanned goods without any labels on them. In some instances it is also the practice to relabel certain of the cans. The cans are stored in a'case and it is necessary for the purpose of relabeling or recasing the cans to take the cans out of the original case and line them up for a track leading to the labeling machine. The operation necessary to remove the cans and to'line them up in a single file is an expensive and laborious operation which is also very'slow compared with the speed of the labeling machines.

My device accomplishes the direct emptying of thecans from the case into automatic separators through which the cans are pushed separately into a track so that they move as herein illustrated, in a single 'file toward the labeling machine or the like.

I am aware that some changes may be made. in the general arrangements and combinations of the several devices and parts, as well as in the details of the construction thereof without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following specification, and as defined in the following claims; hence I do not limit my invention to the exact arrangements and combinations of the said device and parts as described inthe said specification, nord-o I confine myself to the exact details of the construction of the said parts as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

' With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will be made manifest in the following detailed description, reference is had to the accompanying drawings for the illustrative embodiment of the invention, wherein:

. Fig. 1 is a fragmental perspective viewof my device, the guide channelformed by wires being shown somewhatdiagrammatically. I

Fig. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic plan view of the device.

'Fig;':3' is a sectional View} the section being.

taken on the lines3'3 of Fig. 2.

:Fig."4 is a sectional' v'iew, the section being taken substantially through the lines. 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. '5 is a sectional view, the section being taken on the lines 5-5 of Fig. 3, and

Fig- 6 is a perspective detailed view of the separators in my device.

In carrying out my invention I makeusepf' a frame l. On one end of the frame is pivoted a table 2 in an initial vertical position, as shown in Fig. 1. A follower 3 is at the lower or bottom end of the verticaltable 2. On the other end of the frame is a divider device 4 which separates the layersof cans, anddischarges the cans into a suitable separator device, such as individual chutes 6' which latter turn and align the cans individually and into a row in a deliverytrough I for conveyance to the labeling machine or'the like. I

The table 2 is supported on suitable'trans verse horizontal pivots 8 in" bearings '9 on the frame I. The table 2 is provided with longitu-j dinal guide grooves l l Thesections of the table separated by the guide grooves l l are held to gether by end members l2. In the eventthat the table is made of metal the table members are suitably welded together. z

The follower 3 has comparatively wide flanges 13 on its trailing side, which flanges extend through the guide grooves ll of the table I and form legs M which are'connected at their bottom by suitable cross pieces i6. From the cross pieces [6 extend upwardly brackets I! for holding shafts l8, on whichlatter are rollers 19 ridingin longitudinal channels 2! in the undersideof the table 2 as shown in Fig. 2, the follower rollers I!) rest upon the adjacent lower end member l2, andthe follower 3 forms'a platform for an end of a case 22 in which the cans were originally packed. The open case 22, indicated in broken lines, is placed upon the table 2 as shown in Fig; l'so that the open face or sideof the case is against the top of the'table 2, and the lower end of the case 22 rests on the follower 3 turned from the vertical position shown in Fig. 1 to the horiv zontal position shown in'Fig. 3, stacking the cans on the table 2. "Then the case 22 is removed leaving the cans on the top of the table 2.; 7

In order to hold the cans from toppling ver. side retainer plates'23 are provided one on' achf side of the horizontal longitudinaledges or table 2, as shown particularly in Fig.' 3 and Fig- 5. Each plate 23 is supported on a pairof slide shafts, slidable in suitable brackets 26 on the top of the frame" I. On each slide shaft 2 i isla double-yoke 21 which engages a cross pin 28in 3 the slide shaft 24. A stem 29 extends from each double yoke 21 to a longitudinal shaft 3! journalled on the frame l generally parallel and below the table 2. A crank lever 32 is fixed on each shaft 3| and extends inwardly toward the middle of the frame 4 under the table 2. A link 33 depends from the inner end of each crank lever 32, and the links 33 are pivoted at their lower ends to a pedal 34. This pedal 34 is suitably fulcrumed a-t'its inner end 35 on the frame I under the table 2, and projects beyond the intake end of the frame I for suitable operation by the operator of the device.

When the operator removes the case 22 from the stacked cans, he also steps on the forward end of the pedal 34, which pulls down the verti'-' cal links 33, rocks the shaft 3| to swing the stems 28 and the yokes 21 toward the stacked cans on the table 2, and thus holds the plates 23 in shielding position to prevent the toppling over of the stacked cans on the table 2. A coil spring. '35 connected to the pedal 34 and anchored on the frame I'above the pedal 34, normally urges the pedal 34 upwardly. While the plates 23 are so held, the operator pushes the. follower 3 on the table 2 against the stacked cans, and thus pushes the stacked cans off the table 2 and into a suitable stack divider device 4 and then these cans push the divided stacks of cans from th divider device 4 into the individual separator or chutes 6 for delivery to the trough 1.

The stack divider device 4, herein illustrated, includes a bottom plate generally contiguous with the horizontal top of the table 2. so that the stacks of cansv are pushed oiT the table 2 and unto the bottom plate 36. On the bottom plate 36' are a plurality of generally perpendicular spaced guides 31. The spaces between the guides correspond to the number of cans stacked transversely of the case 22. Usually the cans are stackedin the case 22 in two layers. There are, in. the herein illustrated size, six cans transversely across each layer, therefore the spaced guides 31 define six guide channels 38. These guide channels 38 diverge from one another toward their discharge ends so as to separate the cans into six separate rows. For this purpose each guide 31 is made of generally wedge shape with the point; or narrow edge 39 being vertical and facing toward the table 2 and the wider base H of the wedge being at the delivery or discharge end of the can divider device 4.

Each divider guide 31 is also offset laterally from about the middle of its height to the top.

This offset is tapered or increased from the narrow edge 39 toward the base 4|, so as to form a rearwardly widening ledge 42, as shown in detail in Fig. 6. In other words, each guide 31 is divided by a horizontal longitudinal ledge 42 into a lower guide and an upper guide. The ledge 42 widening toward the delivery end of the guide, offsets the top guide to one side from the lower guide on a rearward slant or taper. The lower guide and the upper guide being each, of the height of a can; Thus as a pair of superimposed cans are pushed into a channel between a pair of guides 31, the upper can slides on the ledge 42. The adjacent sides of the guides 31. are generally parallel, thus the upper portion of each guide channel 38' is offset to one sideand shifts the upper can off the lower can and unto said ledge 42. 1

At the outlet end of the guides 31 is a vertical end plate 43 which has openings 44 therethrough arranged. in a pattern registering with the outlet ends of the guide channels 38 so that the cans can pass through said plate openings 44 from said channels 38. The chutes 6 are formed, in this illustration, out of bars 46. A set of such bars 46 extends in suitably spaced relation from the corners and sides of the plate openings 44. The chute 6 formed by said sets of bars 46 diverge from one another and are suitably bent and turned and terminate at the, trough. 1 to guide the cans from an initial substantially: vertical position to a horizontal position transverse to the trough 1. Thus the cans are separated and are delivered into the trough 1 in spaced parallel relation.

The trough 1 has its bottom 41 inclined downwardly and away from the chutes 6 so that the cans roll away from said chutes 6 and to a suitable device, not shown, for feeding to the labeling machine or the like.

The apparatus herein described is simple in construction, it has only .acomparatively few movingv parts, yet it operates efliciently and quickly for de-casing cans, and for arranging the decased cans in suitable individual feeding to a labeling machine and the like. The operator needs only to open the case, place the case on the platform follower 3 so that the open side of the case is against the table 2, then swing the table 2 to horizontal position, remove the case from the cans and simultaneously press down the foot pedal 34, and push the follower 3ior pushing the cans off the table and into thedivider guide channels 38; then. return the table 2 to vertical position and repeat the decasing operation; the dividing, separating, and spacing of the decased cans is accomplished automatically as the cans are pushed through the-apparatus.

1. In a decasing apparatus, a frame, a supporting surface on the frame, a plurality of spaced generally vertical stack separator elements on said supporting surface, thespacing between adjacent separator elements corresponding substantially to the width of the cans in a stack. of cans in a case, a table pivoted on'the frame, the pivot of the table being spaced from an end of the table at a distance substantiallyequal to the distance between the pivot and said; separator elements for locating said end of the table in the immediate proximity of said supporting surface for direct insertion of the decased cans from the table into the spaces between said elements, a transverse follower on the other end of the table being generally of the same width and height as the width and height of. the stack of cans in. said case for supporting a case thereon in the upright position of the table, said follower being adapted for movement along said table for pushing the stacks of cans ofi said table and into said spaces, side guides along said table substantially of the same height as that of stack of cans, and guides extended from said separator elements to guide cans pushed out of said spaces away from said elements in series.

2. In a decasing apparatus, a frame, a supporting surface on the frame, a plurality of spacedgenerally vertical stack separator elements on said supporting surface, the spacing betweenad jacent separator elements corresponding sub stantially to the width of the cans in a stack of cans in a case, a table pivoted on the frame, the pivot'of thetable being spaced from an" end of the table to a distance substantially equal to the distance between the pivot and: said separator elements for lQcating-saidend of the table in the immediate proximity ofzs'aid supporting surface for direct insertion of the decased mm from the table into the-spaces -between, said elements, a transverse follower on: the other end of the tablejbeing generally of the same and height as the width and height jfof th stack- {of cans in said case forsupporting a case thereon in theupright position ofth'e table, said follower being adapted for movement along said table for from a vertical to a generally horizontal position.

and diverging from one another and terminating in a series of outlets parallel with and transverse above said trough to guide individual cans on their sides transversely into said trough.

3. In a decasing apparatus, a frame, a supporting surface on the frame, a plurality of spaced generally vertical stack separator elements on said supporting surface, the spacing between adjacent separator elements corresponding substantially to the width of the cans in a stack of cans in a case, a table pivoted on the frame, the pivot of the table being spaced from an end of the table at a distance substantially equal to the distance between the pivot and said separator elements for locating said end of the table inrthe immediate proximity of said supporting surface for direct insertion of the decased cans from the table into the spaces between said elements, a transverse follower on the other end of the table for supporting a case thereon in the upright position of the table, said follower being adapted for movement along said table for pushing the stacks of cans oiT said table and into said spaces, and guides extended from said separator elements to guide cans pushed out of said spaces away from said elements in series, and a controllable aligning device on said frame adjacent the sides of said table to align the stack of cans decased on said table with said spaces between said stack separator elements.

l. In a decasing apparatus of the character described, the combination with a supporting table on which the inverted open case is removed from the stacked cans, means to move said stack of cans along said table and an inclined trough transverse with respect to and spaced away from and below said table; of a separating and can guiding device comprising a supporting surface contiguous with the table, a series of spaced guide walls perpendicular on said supporting surface, the upper portion of each guide wall being offset so as to diverge from the entering edge of the wall at an angle to one side of the plane of the lower portion of guide wall away from said table, a, horizontal wedge shaped ledge at the lower edge of said upper portion forming a support for the bottoms of the upper tier of cans of said stack, said walls being of generally Wedge shaped cross section widening away from said table to separate the cans of said stack, and a plurality of can guides guiding the cans from between said guide walls by gravity to said trough.

5. In a decasing apparatus of the character detransverse with respect to and spaced away from and "below "said table; of a separating and can guiding device comprising a supportin surface contiguous with the table, a series of spaced guide walls'perpendicular'on said supporting surface' to separate the cans of said stack, a can guide extending from each can space between said walls downwardly and turning to a transverse position above said trough to guide the cans from said separator walls to said trough, said can guides diverging from one another and terminating in a single row along the top of the trough to discharge the separated cans in a single row into said trough.

6. In a decasing apparatus of the character described, the combination with a, supporting table on which the inverted open case is removed from the stacked cans, means to move said stack of cans along said table and an inclined trough transverse with respect to and spaced away from and below said table; of a separating and can guiding device comprising a supporting surface contiguous with the table, a series of spaced guide walls perpendicular on said supporting surface, the upper portion of each guide wall being offset so as to diverge from the entering edge of the wall at an angle to one side of the plane of the lower portion of guide wall away from said table, a horizontal wedge shaped ledge at the lower edge of said'upper portion forming a support for the bottoms of the upper tier of cans of said stack, said walls being of generally wedge shaped cross section widening away from said table to separate the cans of said stack, a vertical plate at the discharge end of said guide walls having a can discharge opening opposite each space between the discharge ends of the adjacent lower and upper portions of said walls, and an individual can guide extending from each opening downwardly and turning to parallel transverse relation above said trough.

7. The combination with a decasin table on which the inverted case is removed from the stacked cans and a can separating device into which said stacked cans are moved from said table; of a pair of opposite can aligning elements on said frame spaced along opposite sides of said table, and a device for moving said aligning elements against the sides of the decased stack of cans for holding said stack of cans aligned with said separating device during the moving of the stack olT said table and to said separating device.

8. The combination with a decasing table on which the inverted case is removed from the stacked cans and a can separating device into which said stacked cans are moved from said table; of a pair of opposite can aligning elements on said frame spaced along opposite sides of said table, and a device for movin said aligning elements against the sides of the decased stack of cans for holding said stack of cans aligned with said separating device during the moving of the stack off said table and to said separating device, and a stack pusher movable on said table between said aligning elements for pushing said stack of cans to said separating device.

9. The combination with a decasing table on which the inverted case is removed from the stacked cans and a can separating device into which said stacked cans are moved from said table; of a pair of opposite can aligning elements spaced alon mini e sides o Said table end e device formoving said aligningelemqmiseg ainstthe sides ofthe decased' stack of cans-for holding said stack at cans aligned with said separatingdevice during the moving of-the stacker! said table and to said separating device, and a stack pusher movable on said table between said aligning elements for pushing said staek of cans to said separating device, said table being tiltable to vertical position and said pusher being adapted to support acase in said 'The'tollowing references aretof record in the me ofthis-paltent:

" sums PATENTS Number 

